TWIN FALLS, Idaho – A tragic shooting occurred at an In-N-Out Burger in southern Idaho on Saturday afternoon, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries, according to local police.
Authorities confirmed that the shooter was among those deceased. Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks mentioned that investigations are ongoing to identify the shooter and understand their motive.
“We believe the threat to the community is over,” Hicks stated during a news conference. At that point, the exact number of casualties had not been confirmed, as officials were still reaching out to the families of victims. “It was a very chaotic scene,” he added.
Before the press briefing, Twin Falls County Commissioner Brent Reinke shared that Sheriff Jack Johnson informed him that five individuals were injured in the incident.
Eyewitness Lane Koehn, 34, recounted seeing a person armed with an AR-style rifle emerge from the drive-thru, while another man with a pistol began firing at the shooter.
Koehn observed an In-N-Out staff member dragging a bleeding colleague across the parking lot. “She was pretty bad off, but I don’t know. I hope she made it,” he said, expressing concern for the injured employee.
He was instructed by police to evacuate the area as the situation remained active. Koehn reported hearing at least three or four shots fired, though it was unclear if anyone was specifically targeted.
A video captured by a nearby driver showed the shooter, dressed in black, approaching a white car with a long rifle, opening the driver’s side door and accessing the trunk before the witness fled the scene.
Haley Dodaro, 43, who visited In-N-Out for lunch, described the moment she realized the gravity of the situation. Initially thinking there might be a fire, she soon learned there was an active shooter as people ran from the restaurant in fear. “It was very scary,” she reflected.
The incident unfolded near a busy shopping area with hundreds present at the time. Police urged witnesses to come forward with any information to assist in their investigation.
Notably, this In-N-Out location had just opened a week prior on July 24, marking the brand’s expansion into Idaho.
Reinke was alerted to the shooting shortly before 4 p.m., prompting a swift response from multiple agencies.
As the situation unfolded, police closed off roads and advised the public to steer clear of the area.
A spokesperson for St. Luke’s Magic Valley confirmed that the medical center was collaborating closely with law enforcement and emergency responders to manage the situation.
Twin Falls, a city with a population of about 56,000, is located approximately 130 miles southeast of Boise and around 75 miles north of the Nevada border.
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Bellisle reported from Seattle, and Raza from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
